This assignment has two parts.
1. Read Colson Whitehead's "The Way We Live Now," and explain (in a short paragraph) how Whitehead uses symbolism to develop the essay's theme. (To refresh, a symbol is when a concrete image represents an abstract idea, in the way that a bird can symbolize freedom or a road can symbolize travel).
2. Read Robin Kellner's "Zoe's Story," and pay close attention to how Kellner's structures her essay: both with the use of five large sections broken by dashes and with the various lengths of paragraphs, some only one sentence long and others more developed. Choose one of these sections or paragraphs, and explain how the structure of the paragraph itself helps to convey the impact of the section's meaning. (In other words, how does putting a certain idea into a shorter or longer section/paragraph make it more or less emphatic?).
1. The concept of change is a generalized theme prevalent in Colson Whitehead's essay "The Way We Live Now". Whitehead uses the city of New York as a concrete image that not only represents the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, but also represents the more stable things in our lives. Whitehead uses popular landmarks, such as the twin towers and the empire state building, in order to develop the idea that some landmarks are essentially unchanging. He also mentions places that aren't so popular, such as Munsey's or the Tic Toc Lounge, to convey the idea that change occurs and some places become phased out over time. Whitehead uses New York as a symbol in order to convey the theme of change and permenancy in one of the busiest cities in the world.
ReplyDelete2. Kellner uses five large sections broken by dashes in order to impact the meaning of each section. The fourth section uses short sentences, longer compound sentences, and various punctuation such as dashes. Kellner also places quotes around words as "off" for emphasis. By using short sentences Kellner is attempting to convey a simple and blunt point. By using longer sentences, Kellner is elaborating on these points and providing the reader with more detail . By placing this section in a larger area, Kellner is emphasizing the importance of the ideas she presents in it.
1. You're experiences are what you remember. What you remember is your New York. It is ever changing but is still there as long as you remember it. One way Whitehead uses symbolism is in the way he describes all the buildings that are no longer there as if they were old friends. He starts off by talking about your New York which you start building as soon as you start experiencing New York. Here he is using the city itself to describe personal experience. Then moves on to talk about neighborhoods here he is advancing by narrowing down his scope from the whole city to the neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is in the essay supposed to represent your favorite places. Because of this there is a multitude of neighborhoods that are almost infinite. He then moves on to talk about apartments once again narrowing down the scope from a neighborhood to an apartment. He goes on to talk about how the city sees us as we try new things and change and the city accepts newcomers. This leads into his conclusion which is about accepting the building that replaces the world trade center buildings. The city is alive and accepts its New Yorkers as they should give the new building a chance.
ReplyDelete2. The five large sections are how the story is divided up. The first is an intro. The second is background information. The third is the story of how zoe became drug addicted and struggled with her addiction before losing her life. The fourth is a reflection and the last is a conclusion. The biggest sections are the third and fourth. The third tells zoe's story and it is provided as a narrative, it is as long as it is because it needs to be and this section is where the focus is. This section is what we are supposed to take in and contemplate. The first and last are very short and direct. The fourth is almost as long as the third because Kellner wants to emphasize the importance of preventing drug overdose. By having longer and shorter paragraphs/sections you convey to the reader whether they should be reading carefully. In other words the parts that you want to put more emphasis on are the parts you make longer. It gives or takes away emphasis because of its size. A person can notice an elephant in a room much easier than they can a single ant in the same room.
The symbolism that Whitehead uses in The Way We Live Now is all about change. Whitehead gives examples about everyone having their own little New York where they still remember things how they were when they first saw them. For example Whitehead says that he still remembers a building as the old Pan Am building, but it no longer is Pan Am. New York is always changing because there are so many new people coming and going and starting businesses and then closing businesses and Whitehead gives excellent examples of how people will always remember how they first saw something even after it has changed into something else.
ReplyDeleteZoe's Story is divided into five different sections. The first section is an introduction, the second section is back story, the third section explains how she discovered her daughter was a drug addict, and the fourth and fifth sections are how she felt about what happened and the conclusion to why she was telling the story. Splitting the story into sections gives the story a strong chronological order and helps a reader focus on what that section is really about. By separating the sections the author emphasis on aspects of the story.
1. Whitehead uses buildings as symbolism to explain essay’s theme. Whitehead writes about the building that changed to some different building or are no longer there, which represent change. He also uses symbolism by writing about how the city has seen you growing, it provides a visualization to the audience of building, streets along with flash back of their past. He also uses “twin towers” as an example to say goodbye, which also symbolize experience. Whitehead represents change and experience and growth through symbolism.
ReplyDelete2. The first section gives an abstract of overall story and second section provides background information. The structure of first paragraph conveys the impact of the section’s meaning, by summarizing the whole story including the conclusion in couple of sentences. It makes it more emphatic, because then the reader gets an idea what the story is about and it gives information about the whole story.
1. For me, New York represents our lives. All the buildings that Whitehead references are the experiences and adventures that we have had in our lives. The most memorable and recognizable buildings are the memories that we cherish above all and we will always remember. Using symbolism to develop the theme makes the reader visualize and use imagination to reflect. The reader may visualize their "New York" and understand how the writer feels. If there was no symbolism the reader would most likely not relate the article.
ReplyDelete2.Robin Kellner's introduction was brief and to the point. She used a couple of short sentences but her introduction was effective in capturing the reader's attention. The short sentences were direct in letting the reader know that Robin Kellner was going to tell her daughter's story without any circles. She was going to tell the story just like it happened and leave out any unnecessary details that do not pertain to the story. Even the captions she wrote on the bottom of the pictures were short and brief. If the introduction was too wordy it would not have the same effect.
1. The article writen by Colson Whitehead uses the city of New York as symbols of reference of time in his life. NYC is always revolving, nothing stays the same, except the permanent buildings and streets that have become his memories that he carries with him. Each neighborhood has its own uniqueness and he uses these observations to reference his life how it constantly changes, but in his memories it stays the same.
ReplyDelete2. Robin Kellner's article is written in short sentences that gives the reader an impactful overview of sequence of events unfolding over the years. The short constructed paragraphs are ment to give the reader the exact information Kellner wants them to know in each paragrah. It is meant to be matter of fact and suspensful. The paragraph that created a lump in my throat was when Kellner writes, "..."Hey Mom!" And I'd say nothing." This was a very well constructed article that made its impact on the reader.
1. Colson Whitehead uses the symbol of “New York” to describe his symbolism. For me, Whitehead used this symbol to show that everyone has their own viewpoint. What one person may see could be very different to another person. Thus, everyone has there own “New York.” Additionally, Whitehead uses this symbol to show that nothing is forever. What may have been your “New York” in the past may be someone else’s “New York” today.
ReplyDelete2. Robin Kellner had broken her story up into many different paragraphs. However, Kellner was able to keep her sub ideas or thoughts separate, which will help keep her readers attached. One example of this is, when Kellner mentioned briefly of a young man in a paragraph. Therefore, she separated her next thoughts of describing the young man’s details into another paragraph. First, this allows easy reading for her audience. Second, it stays to a specific topic, which will more efficiently allow her to get her exact point across to her readers.
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ReplyDelete1. Colson Whitehead’s “The Way We Live Now,” uses New York as a symbol in order to develop the theme of his essay. Whitehead uses New York as a symbol to represent the changes that happen not only in the city but in a person’s life too. He uses different known and unknown landmarks in New York to explain how things change in a person’s life but no matter the first image stays within the memory. Everyone who first moves or visits New York remembers the places they visited but once those places are gone their view never changes. For example, the twin towers were brought down due the terrorist attacks and everyone will remember both the towers still standing there. The people who barely come to New York will remember the emptiness or the new building being constructed there instead of what once stood there. Whitehead uses these examples to have the reader understand that their views change throughout a person’s life time.
ReplyDelete2. Robin Kellner uses five large sections broken down with different lengths of paragraphs to make an impact on the reader’s life. Each of the sections has a specific experience on Kellner’s experience on how throughout Zoe’s life. The last section in “Zoe’s Story,” Kellner uses short and long paragraphs to explain how she felt and believed she should have done to help her daughter. In the longer paragraphs she described that Zoe would have kicked and screamed but in the end she would have gotten better with treatment. She also described that a young girl, senior, in Zoe’s high school changed her life after Kellner talked to the students in 10th grade. In shorter paragraphs she goes straight to the point that she advises parents to “think the worst,” to wake them up that they need to be there for their children. It gives the essay more emphatic by giving it this type of structure because it allows the reader to focus on. Without this the essay would probably not have the same impact.
In Colson Whitehead's "The Way We Live Now," he uses symbols to develop the theme in the essay. He uses buildings and experiences to represent his New York. The changing of the old pizza shop to a travel agency represents the time that has passed by. Whitehead states that we all have our own interpretation of New York, whether it be the old Twin Towers or the canal that is now Canal Street. All these symbols represent the changing of time and how we will always see it a different way than anyone else will.
ReplyDeleteRobin Kellner's article "Zoe's Story" uses five large sections broken by dashes and has various lengths of paragraphs and different length sentences. The first paragraph is the shortest paragraph in the article. She is able to introduce herself, introduce her daughter, and introduce what the story is about in that one short paragraph. The shorter sentences grab the readers attention and gets straight to the point.
1.Whitehead uses alot of different phrases and symbols to let us feel what is she is truly trying to say. One example was in the first paragraph when she describes how the city spent time and money putting brochures together with shows and song or as she would say "if you could make it there", kind of business. She uses this terminology to describe the place she is talking about for being flashy and busy. By her using these kinds of phrases she is saying these brochures are used to make New York seem like a place for opportunity. She uses other sayings like "mom and pop operations" to let the reader know these businesse are from old time New York. They are also small self owned businesses people grew up on. Using this type of symbolism makes you feel more close to the city and it gives her story a more original or down to earth theme.
ReplyDelete2. Kellner wrote the story in parts like this to empathize on the good and bad parts of her daughters fight with drug addiction, before she passed away. By her putting sections in this order of short sentences of how this happens, she allows the reader to feel the domino effect of a drug addict. The section I found interesting was the one about her friend that was once on drugs but is now successful and the authors daughter is gone. She puts this to emphasize that even if it is not your on drugs at the time, you should still care. She now sees she should have cared from the start because maybe she could have stopped and saved her daughter.
1. The underlying theme in Colson Whitehead's “The Way We Live Now” is change. Whitehead uses New York as symbolism for a person's change in their life. Whitehead uses memories of life, how it is anchored to places, and how these places change. Businesses are used to symbolize long-term memories that people see or go to in there day-to-day lives, while using more subtle things like streets, train stops, and apartments for intimate memories. Whitehead compares between these businesses that shows things that have passed away and compares apartments as how people change over time. The use of symbolism creates something tangible for the audience. Whitehead then uses these “tangible” memories to create a clear, stark contrast with changes in everyday lives.
ReplyDelete2.The division of Robin Kellner's article “Zoe's Story” establishes a framework for the readers to easily follow. The small section at the top is an introduction. The introduction lays out the purpose of the story: to share Zoe's story. The second section sows together background information and what will be part of Robin's concluding remarks. The third section is about how Zoe got addicted to drugs, her struggle with it, and her death because of drug use. The fourth section is Robin Kellner's conclusion, tying everything up and bringing awareness to save lives. The last section talks about The Zoe's Story Fund, talking about one way Robin Kellner hopes to help others.
The varying length of the paragraphs in Robin Kellner's article are useful and is more impactful than traditional formats. For some the longer paragraphs, it provides detailed sequence of events or dialog. This provides readers with a clean chain of events. With shorter paragraphs, such as “And what I say to parents now is 'think of the worst.'”, drive home important points Kellner wants to stick with the audience.
1. Colson Whitehead’s “The Way We Live Now: 11-11-01; Lost and Found” explores the themes of loss and change. His symbolic use of “New York City” represents the connections that old New Yorkers have to their neighborhoods. While the new generation of New Yorkers may not wholly understand their experiences, everyone has their own personal “New York City”. The symbolism of “New York City” in the article creates a personification that gives New New York City human-like emotions and actions. “The city knows you better than any living person because it has seen you when you are alone.” Human beings experience change and loss, the essay parallels these sensations towards the way the cities undergo a similar process. This makes cities seem like people and makes the article relatable toward the empathy and experiences of the reader.
ReplyDelete2. The third section of “Zoe’s Story” contains a variety of structure that emphasizes to the emotional tone of the essay. Short sentences are effective in creating tension. “Someone found her, called 9-1-1, and she was taken to the hospital.” They create a sense of realism to the reader so that they can participate in the story. It portrays the author’s intent to the ready and evokes emotions ranging from empathy to pathos.
In 'The Way We Live Now' I think the theme is that each person that lives in New York City, experiences the city in their own unique way. The symbols would be the businesses that occupied the buildings at various times. He describes several different types of businesses that occupied the same space at different times to develop his idea that each person experiences the city in their own unique way.
ReplyDeleteIn 'Zoe's Story' the shorter paragraphs, especially the ones with only one sentence are much more dramatic than the longer paragraphs. When there is a shocking turn to the story it is usually communicated in a short paragraph. The longer paragraphs give the background and explain the details of the story.
Colson Whitehead author of " The Way We Live Now" uses the city of New York to symbolize change throughout life. The city of New York is such a big and busy city that there is constant change around it. The theme of the essay is that life goes through change no matter what, and what people experience and see stay with them and what they don't fades away. In other words, life doesn't stop for nothing and it keeps on going, so society must appreciate everything they see around them, for it can be the last time they see it. The landmarks in the city of New York and also the surroundings and streets is what will make people remember the big city for. As the years go by new generations will come and they will have other forms of change and evolution throughout the city and they will remember New York for those current changes. Whitehead's message is that life will always go through change, so what goes on now is what will impact and affect current societies, and what will happen in the future will affect those in the future.
ReplyDeleteIn Zoe's Story the author Robin Kellner seperates the essay into five parts to illustrate different events that happened throughout this time in her life and her daughters life. The structure of the second section is divided into multiple paragraphs, some are shorter than others. Through this technique the author illustrates the importance of events. In the longer paragraphs she gives more details about the event, and in the shorter ones the author just goes straight to the point. The author doesn't really elaborate on the one sentence paragraphs because it goes straight to the point of what she is trying to mention. In the longer paragraphs the author writes much more detail in order to convey a clearer and more descriptive story about what is happening with her daughter and her addiction to drugs. This technique of using short and long paragraphs seems to hook the audience by providing short but straightforward paragraphs, and also providing longer but descriptive paragraphs.
1) In Whitehead’s “The Way We Live Now,” he uses symbolism to develop the essay’s theme. One example of symbolism is the storefronts. They are windows into the past for New Yorkers whom have seen the city change and develop new business and change the way they view their “New York” in their minds. The essay’s theme is to discuss how New York is a constant changing city and everyone’s perspective changes as well.
ReplyDelete2) In “Zoe’s Story”, In Section two the second paragraph is composed of one sentence which is used as a dramatic pause which pulls in the reader’s attention to the following information to come. Robin Kellner writes Zoe’s Story in a form that you are being told a story through the direct person which is Zoe’s mother. Kellner places one sentence statements through the story to divide ideas and to reach out to the readers. Kellner divides her sections to divide her ideas in the story. She places introduction, life story, what she learned, and lastly her legacy of helping other avoid her daughters fate.
Colson Whitehead presents symbolism in "The Way We Live Now' to contribute to the overall theme of moving on and changes made within us and to the environment that we grew up in. He mentions New York City, where he grew up in and the twin towers as if they are living objects. He states that the streets were there through all the good and bad, and even remembers these moments. He also states that if old apartments got together, they would chit chat about every little things we would do or say. It's interesting how he incorporates these inanimate objects, such as the buildings and streets, as other people that have been in our lives. The message does get across though; life goes on, where we grow up has a huge impact on our lives and changes are continuously made no matter what.
ReplyDeleteRobin Kellner, the author of Zoe's Story, uses a very specific technique in telling the story of her daughter's death. The five sections of the story give very much detailed information on what happened to Zoe, and what her mother is doing to get closure. The second section is developed with six paragraphs, some with only a sentence or two and the other 5 sentences. To me, this section brought a sense of the dramatic experience the author felt, and also included what the whole story is about. She mentions how in her daughters school there was a parents brunch meeting, where the staff spoke about one of Zoe's good friends drug problems. Her mother thought to herself it had nothing to do with Zoe and that is not her at all; however, it ended up being her and worse. The difference is the boy who was talked about in that moment ended up being very successful, while Zoe ended up dead unfortunately. The structure of both of these essays contribute to the theme of the stories.
The symbolism that Whitehead uses in "The Way We Live Now", is about creating your own New York. Once you're in New York you start building memories which is why he refers to it as "creating your own New York". People start remembering different sites or events that they went to and create a city in their mind which consists of memories that they experienced in the city. Although the city is always changing the memories of people who have lived there stay with them. It is their own city in their minds that they have created by different moments in their life.
ReplyDeleteRobin Kellner's article "Zoe's Story" uses five large sections that are broken down to provide an impact to the section. Keller uses long paragraphs to explain in more detail what is going on. It provides the reader with background information to her shorter one sentence points. The shorter sentences are just simple points that Kellner brings out. The long paragraphs provides the reader with a more profound meaning that supports the short points in Zoe's story.
Colson Whitehead’s essay “The Way We Live Now”, presents to the reader an overall theme of change. He uses New York as an example by naming places like the Tic Toc Lounge and how it is now been changed to something different. Whitehead then gives examples of landmarks that for the most part stay the same because of their popularity such as the empire state building. New York and its landmarks are used as symbols because some places will eventually change and others will remain unchanged. Ultimately showing how things change and how others remain permanent.
ReplyDeleteRobin Kellners’s “Zoe’s Story” is made up of five sections. The third and fourth paragraphs are longest and most detailed. This is because this is the point in the essay where the author wants to focus on Zoe’s story. The author details these paragraphs so that the reader can fully grasp exactly what the desired focus is of the essay.
Whiteheads describes the citizens of New York as having their own personal “New York City” because it’s based on one’s own personal life. He clarifies this through symbolisms. The streets of New York are a calendar. The City can see. The apartments can talk. I think the author successfully manages to develop his essays theme because he gives specific examples using symbolism to suggest the city, no matter how much, or how fast it changes; it is somehow still the same.
ReplyDeleteKellner’s paragraph structure in Zoe’s Story helps voice her grief. In my opinion the short paragraphs, sometimes even a sentence long, help emphasize the importance of that part of her story. In one section she’s describing Zoe’s visit to the hospital. She has a one sentence paragraph. “So I sat for 36 hours in a chair.” Kellner could of when on further to explain how helpless she felt or explained the frustration and fear of almost losing a daughter. But it wasn’t necessary because that sentence alone came the same impact.
Whitehead uses New York City to symbolize change. He describes his view of New York City and how NYC is viewed in his perspective. Everyone's perspective is different as they experienced New York differently. Just as easy as one perspective of NY is different than another, it is just as easy to consider the change. As the twin towers could signify NY to one generation, generations from now may signify Manhattan as NY and older generations may signify the statue of liberty as New York. Change happens more commonly than we know it, as common as one's own perspective.
ReplyDeleteKellner's third section of her story is longer than the rest and is divided up into long and short sentences. In this section, to me, the short sentences hold more meaning to Kellner. These short sentences seemed to be more dramatic and are used to create attention and emphasis to them. For example, Kellner statees, "We called EMS. They came almost immediately. They told us she had been dead for some time". The short sentences are said with sequence as if they are vividly remembered versus the longer sentences that merely describe with less importance.